Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Issues related to syphilis infection? Hello Doctor, I was recently screened and found to have a syphilis infection (I have never been infected before). I usually do rapid tests, and my last rapid test was negative over six months ago. Since then, I have not experienced any sympto...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, you need to confirm whether it is a first-time infection, and if treatment was received within a year, only then is it possible to achieve a dual negative result, i.e., RPR/TPHA (-/-); otherwise, it often remains positive. 2. The level of the index indicates the strength o...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: I engaged in high-risk behavior on October 16. On April 1 of the following year, I used the Orasure saliva rapid test, which was negative. Then, on April 25, I conducted the Bayer blood rapid test, which was also negative. During this period, I di...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a period of six months has surpassed the window period for HIV, so if one is infected, it is usually detectable. However, all tests carry the possibility of false negatives, especially rapid tests, which have a slightly higher chance of false negatives ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?
Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recurrent inflammatory colds? Hello, doctor. In the past month, I have been experiencing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation. The first instance was a sudden acute fever, which did not show significant signs of subsiding after two days. After visiting my family physician...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your situation is relatively complex, and it is recommended that you visit the Infectious Disease outpatient clinic for evaluation. Additionally, if you experience any changes in hearing, it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to rule out more obv...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Avian influenza or other infectious diseases? Hello, doctor. Today, I found a newly hatched bird in my laundry area at home. Its activity level was very low, so I quickly picked it up and called the animal protection unit to take it away. I wore gloves and a mask while placing it...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The probability is extremely low. Avian influenza, like seasonal influenza, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, the main risk comes from close contact with infected birds. Even if you touch birds with bare hands, as long as you thoroughly wash...[Read More] Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices
HIV screening 1. Hello Doctor: If I had vaginal intercourse (with a condom) on March 15 and unprotected oral sex on April 29, and I tested negative for the virus using NAT after 45 days, and then tested negative again with the Department of Health's self-test for HIV on May ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window period for HIV is approximately 3 to 6 months, so it is best to get tested again at that time. 2. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a relatively higher probability of transmission for the recipient, similar to HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices
Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Can antibody rapid tests completely avoid infections? In June of last year, I had a risky sexual encounter, and more than a month later, I took a blood rapid test (Kenvair) which was negative. Then in December of last year, due to my concerns, I took the OraQuick HIV Self-Test, a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has exceeded 3 to 6 months, you can be reassured. 2. If there are still other concerns, you may consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Blood infection During a prenatal check-up, blood was drawn, and immediately after the previous pregnant woman had her blood drawn, I was called to sit down. As I sat down, I noticed an alcohol swab on the table that was contaminated with blood from the previous patient. The nurs...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes after leaving the human body, and its survival rate is even lower in the presence of alcohol-based disinfectants. 2. The primary viruses that can be transmitted through needles are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV; however, transmission...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Oral ulcer Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. I have undergone blood tests at a major hospital, and everything came back normal. I have been taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, which has improved my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. Blood tests at a major hospital showed no issues. Taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, has improved my symptoms, but they recur after reducing the dosage...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
HIV testing issues? If a person has not engaged in any high-risk behaviors for a month, consistently used condoms, and the sexual partner is a girlfriend, and the Multiplex NAT test results from blood donation are negative, can it be confirmed that there is no HIV infection? Addi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to determine whether you are an HIV-positive individual. If so, are you adhering to your medication regimen and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level? 2. Next, if you are not infected but have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Parasitic questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about a situation where my family and I consumed pig liver soup tonight, and we ate undercooked pig liver that was even oozing blood. Each person had about six pieces of pig liver. I would like to ask the following quest...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is not much risk; parasites will die if they are slightly heated, and tapeworms are not typically found in pig liver. 2. The same applies here. The main risk comes from consuming raw pork; even if parasites are frozen, they will die, so it is not that easy to get infec...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello Dr. Lin, this week when I went to a small clinic for the adult health check organized by the National Health Administration, the nurse used a brand new, unopened needle for the blood draw, but it seemed that the syringe was not brand new and un...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, what you are seeing is likely not a syringe, but rather the casing used for a fixed needle. During blood draw, the blood is directly drawn into a vacuum blood collection tube, so a syringe is not needed. Additionally, the casing for the fixed needle does not come into cont...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices
Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Eating undercooked pork chop? On the evening of May 20, I ate an air-fried frozen pork chop. Halfway through, I noticed that the meat was tough to chew and had a slightly raw color. The pork chop was a frozen product that I had purchased only two or three days ago. Is there a pos...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. Consuming contaminated or undercooked food can lead to infections or food poisoning. Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Snail parasites Hello, doctor. This morning, I directly touched a small snail on my motorcycle handle. After realizing it was a snail, I used a wet cloth to remove it. At that moment, there was no water source nearby, so I rode for about 30 minutes to my destination before using ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is usually not much risk involved. Eating raw snails is typically riskier because parasites are found inside the snails rather than on their surface. Therefore, touching snails is unlikely to expose you to parasites.[Read More] Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor, I recently engaged the services of a foreign sex worker and used a condom throughout the entire process. During the encounter, I was asked for a wet kiss. However, due to a lack of sleep in the past few days, I hav...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly found in the perineal area, with another frequent site being the oral cavity. Engaging in oral sex without proper protection, such as a condom, can certainly increase the risk of acquiring STIs. 2. In addition to commo...[Read More] Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety